The Sun. — London, England, 1836-12-27 00:00:00

THE PREDICTION. (From the Gazette des Tribunaux.) Don Gonzalez Llondirien lived with his parents in the city oti Cordova. He was at once their pride and hope, for he was tall and handsome in his person, and skilful and in dustrious in his business. He bid fair to be the joy of their old age, for he loved them ardently. His father and his mouser were his sole thought, and he had completely con centrated all his affections in them. It perhaps might have been said of him, that he was of a serious and melancholy turn of mind, but that was easily overlooked, on account of the excellence of his temper. About eight years since, at the fete of the Virgin Mary-del-Pilan, Llondirien had been to hear mass. It was only at nightfall that Gonzalez left the church. In crossing the threshold of the door, whilst lis tongue was still uttering the last words of the last prayer which he addressed to heaven for the happiness of his parents, and whilst his finger was still wet with the holy water, with which he had made on his forehead the sign of the cross, he was accosted by a mendicant, w hose copper complexion and strongly-marked features indicated that accursed and vagabond race who live only by fraud, robbery, and fortune-telling. He was a gipsy. " Signor, said the latter, after having received from Gon zalez some small alms, " I have the gift of laying open the future. Are you not curious to learn what will happen to you during your life ?" Llondir ien could not account for the vague fears which agitated him. He accepted the offer, in the hope of being able .to remedy all ills by ascertaining the future. " Come with me," said the mendicant, and Gonzalez followed him. For some time they passed through narrow and deserted streets, which the gitano seemed to prefer. Gonzalez and the mendicant quitted the city, and after reaching a grove of olive trees, soon found themselves in the midst of a band of gitanos. Llondirien having paid the price agreed upon, the most abominable conjuration commenced. In the first instance the young man was told a number of indifferent things, and the whole was concluded by the prediction that he would murder his father and mother. " Murder my parents," said Gonzales, " thou liest—thou liest ! infamous sorcerer." The latter coolly replied, " Do not put yourself in a pas sion, my young Signor, for the event must happen." a What have I done to merit such a severe infliction ?" • The good," replied the gitano, " suffer for the faults of others. Your parents have sinned, and you must expiate the sins of others. Heaven punishes, in your person, the offspring of a nun defiled, and of a monk who has broken his vows." " Thou hest ! and you slander my whole family," Gon zalez said, while with his left hand he seized the gipsy by the throat, and with his right hand he endeavoured to grasp his stiletto, was seized by the arm and violently shaken off, and weapons as long and as bright as his own flashed before his eyes. The match was not equal ;he retreated, and en tered his father's house more sad than usual. He could not erase from his restless and superstitious mind the im pression which the prediction of the gitano' had made upon him, and for several days he was haunted by the most dreadful thoughts. At length they became altogether un endurable, and he wished to find some means of testing the truth of the prediction. Time only could show the whole of what had been foretold as to the future, but it was easy to ascertain what reliance could be placed as to the past. Gonzalez threw himself at the feet of his father, and with tears asked him if it were true that he had taken holy or ders, and whether his mother had really taken the veil ? Gonzalez fondly hoped that the answer he was about to hear would restore peace to his mind, and he awaited the reply with anxiety. " Alas !" said the father, " we wished to have concealed this secret from you, as well as from all the world, but sines some evil genius has told you the story, I must com municate to you the whole truth. I was about twenty years old, in the year 1796, when I was placed in a convent in Navarre, where I remained till 1808. At that desolat ing period, the convents were sacked by the troops of our unpitying invaders, and it was absolutely necessary to take refuge in flight. Your mother had also been compelled to quit her monastery, and it was then that I saw her for the first time. The similarity of our destinies naturally brought us together, and gave rise to a mutual attachment. We were married in order to strug,gle together against adversity with more energy. In the eyes of some persons our con duct will appear blameable, but there is in:o-cy for all sin ners. We changed our abode in this city, where we were unknown, and we owe our existence to honourable labour and economy. God has favoured the business which I took to, and it is a happiness for us to know that you will enjoy without trouble, as we have done, the fruits of our industry This recital, although it shocked the religions sentiments of Llondirien, (lid not in any degree lessen his attachment to his parents, but it filled at the same time his breast with grief, for he could not but believe that the gitano had bee:, able to tell the truth. Absorbed by the remembrance of the prediction, which left him bvt little repose, as his affec tion for his parents became stronger and more sincere, he at length took the firm resolution to set at defiance the gipsy, and to render the accomplishment of the prophecy impossible. To effect this object he was determined to quit Cordova for ever, and he raised the pretence of wish ing of wishing to see the world to induce his parents to grant his pressing request for pet mission to travel. " Why quit us ?" said his parents. " Remain with us, we beg. Be content with the bread you eat, and recollect that the rolling stone does not gather moss." They added several other reasons, supported by so many proverbs, so characteristic of the Spanish language ; but Gonzalez re mained unmoved. They were at length obliged to yield to his wishes ; and, after having received their blessing, and a considerable sum of money, he took his departure ostensibly for Madrid, with the avowed intention of going to France ; but he had scarcely got half across the Venta del Corpio, when he turned off to the right, gained Castro Rio in the direction of Grenada, then went to Baena, Las Ventas, and afterwards to Alcala la Real. At the latter city he again quitted the high road, and penetrated the most unfrequented localities of the Sierra of Grenada. He bought, in the midst of the Moun tains, a hut, to which was attached a small garden, sur rounded by a thick hedge. At this spot he resolved to live as a hermit, and to do penance, in order to avert the misfortune with which he felt himself threatened. He sub sisted by hunting and by the produce of his garden. The time that was not given to the chase, or to the cultiva tion of his land, he passed in praying in a small chapel which he had himself erected, dedicated to the Virgin, at the end of the garden. In this manner he passed six years in utter solitude, only going on Sundays to hear mass at Campillo de Arenas, or at Carcheligo. He went also once or twice a year to Benelva to buy gunpowder, lead, some clothes which were absolutely necessary, and to sell at the same time the skins of animals which he had killed. Such was the life of Llondirien ; and, notwith standing the most strict inquiries by the Court of Justice, there was not room for the least reproach. It was in one of his excursions to Campillo de Arenas that Gonzalez became acquainted with Catalina Aza bache, a very handsome brunette, with black hair, good figure, and a modest demeanour. She was the daughter of poor but honest parents, and Gonzalez asked their con sent :for his union with her, and Catalina soon became his wife. For some time true happiness reigned in the hermitage, but it was of a short duration. At the end of the year he was- jealous, and said to himself that so fair and good a wife could not love only him, and this notwith standing Catalina gave hi m no t th e l eas t cause of co m pl a i n t. He was continually on the watch to discover whether there was any ground for his suspicions, but be found Catalina always faithful and ready to receive him with a smile when he returned unawares. At the beginning of October last Gonzalez had gone hunting at an early hour. Night had come on—he had not returned. The wine blew with force from the west, and and the rain fell in torrents. Catalina was not alarmed at the absence of her husband, for he was often in the habit of spending the night in grottos, or in the huts of some goat herds. She suffered no uneasiness, but she listened with pain to the rain which beat against the windows. She was about to sit down to the solitary evening repast, when she heard a knocking at the door. An old man and woman, worn out with fatigue, asked for shelter. " Gomez has pil laged Cordova," said they, " and for two days we have wan dered about, without knowing where to find a refuge. What ever may be your opinions, whether you be Carlist, or that you wear the cachuca,* for pity's sake do not send us away." Catalina had learnt from Gonzales to practice this maxim— " Do good when you can, and then forget it." She did not hesitate about admitting them, and hastened to change their wet dresses by giving them her own and those of her hus band. Here," said she to the old wan, on presenting him with a cloak made of skins, " you are much about the same figure as my Gonalez. His pellico will fit you (come de wwide) as if it were made from the same model." "Alas," said the old people, " we have a son named Gonzalez, but he has l e ft us , an d we h ave no t h ear d f rom hi m f or eight years. " Ah," replied the young wife, "it is cer tainly not my Gonzalez, for a day does not pass without his praying for Don Vincente Llondirien, his father, and for his mother, Dona Dolores de Azurzun." At the mention of these names an exclam at i on of joy and surprise escaped at the same time from the lips of the two corners. " Our son! our son!" they exclaimed together. They soon convinced the young wife that they were really the parents of her husband, and with tears in her eyes, and mad with joy, she kissed both their hands. As the night was now far advanced, she in sisted that her guests should sleep upon her bed, as it was the only one in the hut. "As for me," said she, "joy would hinder me from sleeping, and I shall pass the night in prayer. I will go and thank the Virgin for the present happiness." • The name of " Cachuca" was given to a kind of helmet !worn in 1824 by the national volunteers, and by zealous par ssans of the Constitution. THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1836. PRICES OF STOCKS E Bank Stock. 3 per Cent. Red. 8 8 1,4 8 3 per Cent. Cons 3% per Cent. Ditto Ree 96 ,00 1 , I ( i. AY AT ONE O'CLOCK 1 lia Stock — Ditto Bonds South Sea Stock ;Old Annuities New Ditto — 3 per Cent. Annuities, 1751 -- Exch. Bills, £l,OOO 2O 18 pin. Ditto ..500. 2O 18 pm. Ditto Small Ditto C0mmercia1............ pm. Ditto Advertised pm Bank Stock for Acc0unt........ -- India Stock for Account. .... .... -- 1 Consols for Acconnt B9 3b of the present ingenious age. But now for the mistake itself. At the close of the first leading article of this day's Times comes the following : " Again we take leave to assure Mr. SH EIL, that the Whigs will make no such attempt, save in the full and confident expectation that their proposal will be laughed at by the proper authority, just object to a scheme of an nexation, which, leaving a few prizes to the scholar and the divine, shall impose upon the remaining prebends individually the care of poor and populous parishes." At the close of the letter from " A Correspondent" on the Church Commission, comes the following : New 3 , /, per Cent . - - New sper Cent Bank Long Annuitiestoexpire Jan 5, .IA;(1 14% Oct 10, 16:9 Jan. 5. IS6O Jan. 5, A pri 1 5, IWO Jan. 5, 1870...... .......... ...,„ Omnium pm. PRICES OF FOREIGN FUNDS Austrian Bonds —l Belgian Bonds ............ ....„ THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK. Peruvian Bonds — Ditto Account .... ..... ... Portuguese Bonds 67% Ditto Account — Ditto New Bonds 44 Ditto Account - Ditto, 3 per cent 29 Prussian Bonds — Russian Bonds, 1822 — Ditto Account -- Ditto Metallic — Spanish Bonds — Ditto Account — Ditto Bonds, 1534 1 9 1,4 Ditto Account l9 i French, 5 per cent.— ..... —I. —c. i--- 4 per cent. —f. —c. , -- 2 per cent. -f. —c. 1 --- Exchange f —c. Dutch, 24 per cent. Ditto Account — Ditto, 5 per cent. ........ Ditto Account — :o Account . 000000000 ..• •• Brazilian Bonds Ditto Account Buenos Ayres Bonds " Neither do we as their trumpery Irish Bills, when sent up to the House of Lords, will there, by the proper authority, be at once rejected. The ' concern' is in a hopeful state." Now any person at all conversant with the in ternal management of a Newspaper-office, will see that the Times Devil for once has made a mistake— delivered the wrong slip to the wrong printer—the slip being written, of course, in the same hand ; and as the articles are nearly of the same length, the number was probably the same ; and the unfortu nate reader (it was boxing-day, remember), had not wit enough left to see the blunder. The thing speaks for itself, and we will only repeat — Oh, excellent device ! was there ever heard a better, That—being the scribe, to himself should write a letter. Ditto ACcount Chillian Bonds Ditto Account Columbian 80nd5...... Ditto Account Columbian Bonds, 1824 9.214 Ditto Account Danish Bonds Ditto Account Greek Bonds Ditto Bonds, Ditto Account Mexican Bonds, 5 per cent Ditto Account Ditto, 6 per cent. Ditto Acc0unt......... Neapolitan PRICES OF SHARES THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK. Paid. Per Share. Brighton ( Rennie'sl 3 1% Manchester and Leeds Railway Company Australasia Bank 443 57 Arrived. Due. 0 America 0 0 Brazil 0 0 Buenos Ayres 0 t7arthagena 0 0 Dublin 0 Flanders MAILS. Arrived. Due. Arrived. Due 0 France 3 0 Lisbon 1 0 Gum. &Jersey 0 0 Malta 0 Hamburg 1 0 Mexico 0 II Holland ...... ... 1 0 Ostend 0 0 Jamaica 0 0 Sweden 0 1 0 Leeward Islands 1 0 Waterford 0 His Celestial Majesty the Emperor of CHINA has issued an imperial decree for the suppression of Chris tianity, the seizure of foreign books, and the correction of the human heart throughout his vast dominions. The Tories of China have become alarmed for the HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE TO-MORROW. Morning f 6 minutes after 5. I Evening...... 34 minutes after 5. stability of the altar and the throne ; and after the true Tory fashion, they consult their ancestors about the best means of protecting them from the dangers of re ligious innovation. The sacred books recommend persecution, and accordingly persecution is resolved upon by a devout Conservative posterity. Old ... . . Lord ELDON never gave utterance to a proposition more purely and beautifully Tory than the following, which we find in the decree of his Celestial MA JESTY :—" According to the instructions that our ancestors have transmitted to us, the past is the rule .f the future." Is there no Conservative Association in this country to adopt these words of the Emperor of CHINA as a motto ? Are there no old Tory Cor• porations to present the freedoms of their respective boroughs to his Celestial MAJESTY, for having thus employed the principles of Ultra Toryism in the sup pression of those Radical innovations, which would strip him of the sacred prerogatives handed down to him by his ancestors ? That their Worships the Conservative Aldermen, and their friends and sup porters among the freemen of all Tory boroughs in Great Britain and Ireland, may themselves have an opportunity of judging of the loyal and religious zeal of their Celestial Ally, we here quote the solemn man date of the EMPEROR :-- " DECREE. _ . " To forbid Christianity — ;ith rigour, to seize foreign books, and to correct the human heart, and maintain good order. " The Treasurer Goo, of the province of Canton. " The Superior Judge Vam, " By Imperial Commission we make known to the public that at different times Europeans having penetrated into the interior of the empire to preach Christianity, secretly to print books, to call together meetings, and to deceive a num ber of persons. Several Chinese then became Christians, and afterwards preached ; but, the fact once known, those who were the principals were immediately executed, and their adherents received afterwards their sentence in prison, and those who would not retract were sent into banishment to the city of the Mahometans, and condemned to serve as slaves. Thus, in the 50th year of Kien-Lung, the three Europeans Lo•Matani, Gal-Kien-San, Po-Bin-Luon, secretly penetrated into the interior of the kingdom to preach ; and, in the 20th year of Kea-king, the two Euro peans, Lam-yuo-van and Nicolam, also secretly entered into the empire for the same purpose ; but they were all taken at :different periods and condemned to death or driven away. Thus, then, as the Christians have always been per secuted and condemned, the religion has, since these execu tions, been happily abolished. Bnt in the spring of the last year some English ships in disguise have passed along the coasts of China, and have distributed some European books ; and as these books exhort to believe and to venerate the Chief of that religion, named Jesus, it appears that this religion is the same as the Christian religion which has been persecuted at different times, and banished with all rigour. " The ignorant people are easy to allow themselves to be deceived, and difficult to instruct. It is necessary to con tend against the superstition with force. If any one de parts from his duty to embrace the superstition, whether by interest or credulity, and enters into this sect, prints books and distributes them, at the moment in which he will not expect it he will be discovered, and will not be able to escape punishment. To sin by ignorance is a fault worthy of compassion. We have not any intention to punish with out firstly inquiring ; it is on that account that we exhort every one to amend. Not contented with having instructed the officers, we publish this edict in order that all the officers of justice may be informed by it. Every one of you has talents ; every one has his family. You ought to read useful books ; you ought to employ yourself in proper business. Why will you believe fables void of foundation, which only destroy the human heart ? Why do you seek vile gain, and thus procure your destruction ? " The Europeans for the most part dwell at Macao ; already a Deputy has gone thither and has seized a certain person, named Rine a Eli, who was employed to engrave books. The Deputy has also seized eight European books, which he has laid before this tribunal. Already we have made a report to the Emperor, and we have warned all the Government officers of the second order, that if there is any one who has any Christian books, if he does not wish to be seized, he ought, in the space of six months, to de liver them up to the officers of the respective districts ; but if he continues to retain he will be severely punished. " To spread the Christian religion of Europe is to deceive the people, That religion is, in fact, the ruin of morals and of Hie human heart, and it is on that account that at all times it has bean prohibited, and according to the instructions that our ancestors have transmitted to us, the past is the rule of thefuture. " We appoint the term of six months, to commence from the present, to give up the books and thus to avoid punish ment. You have not yet advanced far on the road of error. He who shall of his own accord present himself shall be well received. Instantly, then, recollect yourselves, repent and amend, for fear lest the hour may come in which there will not be any remedy. If, on the contrary, after the time is expired, you continue to preach and to profess that religion, you will be prosecuted and judged with rigour. Should we allow error to spread itself in these times of felicity ? " You who enjoy peace, you ought to publish truth and destroy error—to avoid sects and to follow the religion of the Kings our ancestors, so that peace and virtue shall flourish ; and that you may be good subjects in these happy times, is what we much wish. " Taou-Kwang, 16th Year, 29th Day, 4th Moon." The cant of morality, and religion, and the conserva tion of public morals, is not confined to meetings in Exeter Hall, and Conservative guzzles in Bath, Bristol, and Nottingham. In the mouth of a Chinese Mandarin it sounds as sonorously and as zealously as from the lips of a RODEN, a WINCHELSEA, or a PIIILPOTTS. The Christians in China, and the Radicals in England, are denounced for one and the same reason—both refuse to bow down before the golden calves set up by primitive ignorance and folly. But seriously speaking, the perusal of the document which we have inserted above ought to cover the stupid dolts who arc for ever twaddling about " Church and King" morality, with confusion. Here is an in stance of the practical operation of Toryism, worth a thousand arguments. The undiluted Conservatism of the Chinese Government, has for more than 200 years prevented the conversion to Christianity of 360 millions of souls. This fact is undeniable. The in habitants of China are as docile as any people in the world, and the successes of the Missionaries, Catholic and Protestant, were amazing, when the interference of the Government undid by an Edict all that they had accomplished by years of incessant labour. The Tories in all countries are in the habit of reading history, as the Irish Divine asserted the Devil said his prayers— viz.—backwards. Instead of referring to the conduct of their ancestors, with a view to avoid their errors, and to be guided by their example, as shown in the She their went to the bottom •of the garden, to fall on her knees in the little chapel which her husband had erected. During this time Gonzalez had taken shelter in an ob• scure hollow of a rock, and there he abandoned himself with more violence than ever to his jealous imaginings. He told the Corregidor, by whom he was afterwards examined, that be felt at this moment as if his bosom were torn with red hot pincers, and he thought that he heard a demoniac voice say to him sneeringly, that he was dishonoured by Catalina. As soon as the rain had a little abated, he set out to return to his abode, thoroughly determined to have revenge for the offence which a diabolical delusion had conjured up to. his senses. On arriving near the door he changed the powder of his double-barrelled gun, for fear that the wet had spoiled that which he used in the morning. At length he opened the door, and on entering his chamber the first objects which met his view by the light of a dim lamp almost burnt out were the clothes of a man near his bed, and mixed with a dress which he knew to be that of Catalina. Two heads, half concealed by the coverings, were reposing on the pillow. He had not the least doubt of his dishonour, and each of the heads received, almost from the very muzzle, the contents of one of the barrels. With out looking behind him he flew into the adjacent chamber, and fell into a chair, pale, trembling, and chilly. He remained in this state for about a minute, when Catalina opened the gate of the garden, and entered, laughing good-naturedly, " I heard you," she said, " discharge your gun, and I hast ened to meet you." " Away, away ! perturbed spirit," said Gonzalez, with haggard gaze, " away, I will have masses said for you—many masses—the chapel shall be fitted up in black—." "My dear, awake," cried his young wife, seizing his hand, who wished to repulse her, and she then threw her arms around his neck. " I have good news to tell you ; thy father and mother—." At these words the cold perspiration, which had already trickled down the forehead of Gonzalez, became more abundant, and his teeth began to chatter. " Well, well !" said he. " They are there," said Catalina, pointing with her finger to the cham ber where they had gone to bed. "My father !" shrieked Llondirien, falling senseless to the ground. When he be came sensible, he told his wife the horrible truth. Catalina pressed him to take flight. " No !" said he, " justice has been done to Heaven, and now that of man must be satisfied." He went to the Corregidor of Alcala la Real, to whom he related all that had passed. Upon a strict inquiry all the facts we have narrated were found to be correct. The Alcade Mayor, however was of opinion that Gonzalez should be condemned to the punishment of parricide. But the Court of Chancery of Grenada decided he had not the intention of murdering his parents, and that it could not even be called a premeditated murder. He was therefore only condemcd to five years' imprisonment. The sentence has just been referred to the Supreme Council of Castile, and taking into consideration the political matters with which the capital is agitated, this trial will not be decided for some time. The friends of the condemned confidently believe that a fresh examination of the affair will be altogether favourable to Gonzalez, and that the Upper Court will pronounce him not guilty on a review of the whole facts. If such a happy result be not generally expected, it is at least generally wished. The Magistrates themselves, who, in administer ing the law, have fulfilled a most painful duty, have openly declared that they would support with all their influence the petition for pardon which will be presented to the Princess Regent, should their sentence not be mitigated. As for the unfortunate Gonzalez, who was quite indiffe rent about the whole proceedings, he had been for some time quite insane, but the affectionate attention of Catalina has partially restored his senses, so true is the saying of Melendez—" Woman is a divine emanation, sent down to the earth to alleviate misfortune, and console the unhappy." The Earl and Countess of Lincoln and infant family have arrived at Clumber, where the Duke of Newcastle and the Ladies Clinton have returned from Hafod, Aberystwith. The Duke of Rutland and the Marquis of Granby are now at Belvoir Castle, superintending preparations for a grand banquet, to be given at that princely residence, on Thursday, the 4th January, in honour of the Noble Duke's birth-day, and of the coming of age of the young Marquis. There 01 be a brilliant ball and supper in the evening, to which.all the rank and fashion of the counties of Leicester and Rutland arc invited. His Excellency Count Pozzo di Borgo and suite will positively arrive on the 4th of January from Paris. The Count has been well enough to be present at the diplomatic dinners of his successor, General Count Pahlen, during the present month. The Countess of Pein!:rokc and Ladies Herbert are entertaining a select circle at Wilton House. Lord and Lady Francis Egerton are entertaining a select circle of friends at his Lordship's beautiful seat, Oat- lands, Surrey. The Duke of Richmond is entertaining a family circle at Goodwood during the recess. Lord 3 William and George Lennox, and Capt. and Lady Agnes Byng are of the party. The Marquis of Huntley gave a hall last week, at Masstown, to his tenants of Cromar. The Noble Marquis and a party of friends came from Blelach to grace the fes tive scene. . Lord Georgeßentinck has joined the party, assembled for the holidays, at the Duke of Portland's, Welbeck Abbey. His Lordship has paid an electioneering visit to the borough of Lynn. THE LATE DR. RIPPON.—On Saturday after noon, at three o'clock, the remains of the late Dr. Rippon were interred in Bunhill-fields burial-ground. From 1;200 to 1,500 persons were present, among whom there were at least 30 or 40 ministers of various religious denominations. The Rev. Mr. Room, formerly the co-pastor and now the successor of the deceased, delir cred the address. The failure of a long established foreign house has this day been announced. The debts amount to upwards of 50,000/. A calico establishment has also given way. — Glasgow Chronicle of Friday. The late Vice-Admiral Lambert, whose death was recently announced, was Commander-in-Chief of the squa dron employed at St. Helena for the detention of Napoleon, and IN as on that station when that celebrated personage died, of May, 1821. ASSIZE COURT OF AUSE.—A case is at pre sent before this Court. It is a charge of poisoning, and eight persons arc implicated in the crime. The facts of the case are as follow :—An old man, named Varlet, of seventy-eight years of age, lived in a retired manner upon his property, and with him lived a niece, named Ambroi sine Seurat, who constantly attended upon him ; and this niece, for the sake of possessing herself of the poor old man's money, administered a dose of poison to him, from the effects of which he died in a few hours. On the very night of his death she took considerable sums of money belonging to her murdered uncle, and deposited them in the hands of several neighbours, male and female, all of whom appeared with her at the bar, the greater part of the money having been found in their possession. A woman, who lived in the service of an apothecary at Troyes, stood charged with having supplied Seurat with the poison. The Keeper of the Seals was among the pri soners charged with having assisted in the spoliation which took place after the murder, and it was stated that this man and the principal female prisoner had, in the very presence of the body of the murdered uncle, indulged in the most abominable debaucheries. The parties were not brought to justice until public rumour could no longer be unheeded, when the exhumation of the body took place about a fort night after the murder. The contents of the stomach were put to the analytical test, and the presence of arsenic was at once discovered. The guilt of the parties appears to be placed beyond a doubt, but the trial has not yet ter minated. A provincial meeting of the physicians and surgeons of Munster is to be held in Cork, next month ,to consider a late legislative enactment affecting the profession. A vender of infallible nostrums, who recently tra velled through the department of the Isere, in France, with his wife, exhibiting at every stage a quantity of five franc pieces ad captandum vulgus, and as so many proofs of the rapid sale of his wonder-working elixirs, recently paid dear for his imprudence at an inn at the Pont de Claix, where he put up for the night. Having, according to his custom, displayed his entire stock of worldly wealth, amounting to about 15,000 f., he had the imprudence to leave this sum enveloped in a linen bag, in a box under the seat of his cabriolet. The next morning, when he was on the point of continuing his journey, the box was found minus its valuable contents. Information was immediately given to the authorities, but as yet all attempts to discover the rob ber or robbers have been in vain. Dr. Davis, of Red Lion-square, called a few days ago on Mr. Perkins, in Great Marlborough-street, and after a few minutes' stay, on his return to his gig, which he had left at the door, his cloak was gone, the Doctor remarking that he thought it was quite secure, being within a few yards of the police-office. On Wednesday night last, the family of Mr. Wharf, Spinning-field, bought some cockles, but not having occa sion for them then, the servant put them into a dish con taining some salt and water, and put the whole into the cupboard. Late in the night, the servant hearing a squeak ing noise in the cupboard, went down stairs, supposing that some of the kittens were in the cupboard, but what was her surprise, when on opening it, instead of seeing a kitten as she expected, she saw a large cockle out of the dish jumping up and down, and on taking it up, she found is had fast hold of a mouse by the tail. It would appear that the mouse must have been on the top of the dish, and its tail somehow or other must have been taken hold of by the cockle, The mouse had drawn the cockle to its hole, but the cockle being a very large one, the hole was not big enough to admit it. —Manchester Guardian. The fanatic followers of Joanna Southcote have been recently preaching at Sligo, in the north of Ireland. THE NEW COMIC PERIODICAL WORK. EDITED BY BOZ, AND ILLUSTRATED BY GEORGE CRUIKSHANK. On the Ist of January next, (to be continucdMonthly), price 2s, 6d., No. 1., embellished with a Portrait and other Illustrations, of BENTLEY'S MISCELLANY. EDITED BY BOZ, And ILLUSTRATED by GEORGE CRUIKSHANK. With Original Contributions by the following (among many other) eminent Writers . Douglas Jerrold, Esq. Author of " Stories of Waterloo" Samuel Lover, Esq. The Author of " Rattlin the Reefer" " The Old Sailor" Haynes Bayly, Esq. Miss Landon Sheridan Knowles, Esq. W. H. Carleton, Esq. R. B. Veake, Esq. &c. w Burlington-street. )37 all Booksellers. Theodore Hook, Esq. The Author of " Headlong Hall" " Father Prout" G. P. R. James, Esq. Charles Dickens, Esq. (Boz) The Author of " Hajji Baba" Captain Chamier, R.N. The Author of " The Munster Festivals" Mrs. Trollope Hamilton Reynolds, Esq. Richard Bentley, Ne Orders received b HAMBURGH, DEC. 12. ON approach of the COMMENCEMENT of JANUARY, all those who may have to write to us before that time, are requested to do so without delay, and to be particular in directing, HEINE BROTHERS, in HAMBURGH, and to observe, that a letter with one inclosure doubles the Postage only, but several inclosures would by far increase the same. Thus 10/., 201., or 301., for instance, if remitted in One Bank of Eng land Note would only cause double Postage, but 101. remitted in two notes, would be liable to a much higher charge. It is there fore most advisable, for any Person having to remit Money to Ham burgh, to forward the amount in One Note; or having to receive Money from Hamburgh, to receive the same in One Note, when ever possible. Of course remittances from Hamburgh to England, surpassing the usual amount of One Bank of England Note, may rather he made in Bills of Exchange, on London. We request not to overlook these particulars. HEINE BROTHERS in HAMBURGH. P. S. To persons having to remit 81., on receiving a Ten Pound Note, we return Two Pound in the cheapest way possible. The publication of THE SUN NEWSPAPER commenced this day at 10 minutes past Three o' Clock. 4;- „ .„ •"/ ir•N 'l4-1'0( N.. 11 ) c )2, ,11A,4)-3 4. LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 27, 1836. A Conservative Festival, of which, of course, our Tory Contemporaries speak in the highest terms, was held on Tuesday last at Belfast, on which occasion a bran-new " pavilion" was erected—so great was the anxiety of the Ulster Protestants to enjoy the comforts of a good dinner gratis. Mr. EMERSON TENNENT, a gentle. man whom Mr. O'CONNELL alluded to the other day as being remarkable for a wig, the like of which is not to be found in Christendom, presided ; and threw off more than one speech, which developed properties equally original with his caxon. He was flowery to a degree far passing the intelligible ; and luxuriated in such rare poetic flights, as leads us to conjecture that he had framed his oratory upon the model of his wig, which, as every body—thanks to O'CoNNELL's generous mention—knows, or should know, is remark able for the rank, eccentric exuberance of its locks. Inter alia, he spoke of the Peers as being more emi nent for sagacity than even their rank, and as possess ing a practical acquaintance with all those great poli tical questions which arc now engrossing the attention of the masses, unknown to the untitled sons of ADAM. Their conduct throughout the last sesssion is a testimony that the Lords deserve this high-flown eulogium ; in proof of which—were additional proof needed—we might in stance the demand for " Peerage Reform," which is now daily becoming more prevalent among the community. As we have alluded to the only passage in Mr. TEN NENT'S speeches which it is our good fortune to un derstand, we shall pass to those of Lord RODEN and Mr. MORTIMER O'SULLIVAN—the latter of whom threw off a sermon rather than a speech, which consequently appears to have been received with that si- lent reverence which escheweth show, and is provocative of profound repose. The Reverend Gentleman was of course lavish in his praises of the " Na tional Church," in which he could discover neither speck nor flaw. It was one " entire and perfect chry solite," developing in its every department proofs of more than mortal sagacity. As O'Suma %TAN was enthusiastic on the Church, so Lord RODEN was en thusiastic on the Peers. They had the same interests, he observed, as the people, and " both had the same object in view, which was the preservation of those privileges and liberties which had been handed down to them by their forefathers." Verily, their Lordships showed how closely they were linked in point of interest, with the people, by their very popular opposition to the Reform Bill in its every stage ; also by their late endeavour to have it believed that " eight millions" of his Majesty's sub jects arc sheer lunatics, and incapable of being en trusted with the management of their own affairs From all we can learn, the Belfast Festival was a per fect failure, excepting in so far as the eating and drink ing were concerned. We have never thought that printers or printer's devils were less liable to the influence of the God of Gin than any other of the King's laborious subjects ; nor do we feel inclined to make an exception in favour of those favoured few on whom falls the awful respon sibility of setting up the leaded thunders of the Times. At all events, whatever may be the general rule, it is evident that Boxing Day overrules it. Mi s t a k e s of the Press are sacred—there is no effec tual guarding against them in the haste of a daily publication ; but, whilst admitting this, we cannot help referring to a mistake in this day's Times, which is important, inasmuch as it proves conclusively a charge often brought against that Jour nal, and as often denied, viz., that of being the mane facturer of its own " able" Correspondence. We do not say that there is anything morally wrong in the editor of the Times writing a letter to himself, and calling the attention of the public to the letter of his " able and intelligent Correspondent." We only say that it is a paltry and pitiful attempt to puff one's own writing. " Oh, excellent device ! was there ever heard a better," That being the scribe, to himself should write a letter?" This may be another of the ingenious devices consequences of their actions, they blindly and stupidly mark their route only to follow it without deviation or inquiry. Once in the old track, and their business with the past is ended. They grope their way through the mire content to reflect that their fathers were as deep in the mud as themselves. We have received the Report of the proceedings of the Central Independent Club of the Citizens of Dub lin, an Association established for the purposes of pro curing a Reform in the Municipal Corporation of Dublin, and for promoting the interests of the Liberal cause, by a vigilant attention to the Parliamentary Registration. In the first of these important objects, we need not inforth our readers, the Independent Club has not been successful. Their exertions in this field, as well as those of the great mass of the people, have been rendered of no avail by the mixed obstinacy, folly, and wickedness of another Club, the members of which hold themselves absolved from all responsibility to any human tribunal for their actions. It is gratifying to find, however, that the efforts of the citizens of Dublin, who have enrolled themselves in this excellent Society, have been attended with con siderable success in the Registration Court, although even here they are met by the baneful influence of the corrupt Corporation. The ad libitum creation of Honorary Freemen, is one of the privileges of this body, and they have exercised it in such a style as to render the Reform Act little better than a dead letter. As a sample of the meek and modest manner in which the Municipal Dignitaries who sway the destinies of the Irish Capital bear their blushing honours, we subjoin a statement of the elec tors registered during the past year, from which it ap pears that they have manufactured no fewer than 265 faggot votes, while in the franchises arising from property, the liberals ha.ve a majority of 375. REF ORMRES. TORIES. February Sessions 312 February Sessions 227 Ma) ditto August ditto November ditto 1,0591 949 Deduct Honorary Freemen in this year's registry...29s 684 Thus giving to the Liberal interests a majority of 375 on the property franchise. We trust the active Committee of the Central Inde pendent Club will continue their meritorious exertions in the cause of Reform, for which their fellow-citizens, and indeed all who wish to see improvement introduced into our decaying institutions, are much indebted to them. THE STORM.-MAILS-(THIS DAY Many of the mail coaches due at the General Pest office yesterday, did not arrive until late in the day, and the following, viz., the Dover, Hastings, Brighton, Chester, Edinburgh—also, the Liverpool and Leeds evening mails, had not reached London at 12 o'clock to-day ; and none of the mail coaches due this day, except those from Portsmouth, Ipswich, and Poole, has arrived at that hour. The Brighton mail from London last night reached Crawley, but was compelled to return. The Dover mail also returned, not being able to proceed further than Gravesend. The bags of letters for the places beyond Crawley and Gravesend were left at those towns respectively. The proprietors of stage-coaches decided not to dispatch them from London last night, until it was known that the mail coaches would make the attempt. The whole of the establishment of the Post-office will be in attendance throughout the day, to arrange for the delivery of the letters that may arrive, and pro vide for any emergency. _ _ It is supposed the mails will not be 'dispatched this evening, as the contractors for horsing the mails decline sending their horses in the present dangerous and almost impassable state of the roads. TWO O'CLOCK. ARRIVAL OF MAILS, 27TH DEC. 1. Edinburgh-two due. 2. Glasgow-one ditto. 3. Boston-one ditto. 4. Chester-two ditto. 5. Dover-one due ; part of yesterday's arrived. 6. Liverpool-one clue. 7. Leeds-one due. 8. Manchester-one due. 9. Portsmouth--one ditto. 10. Exeter and Falmouth--one ditto. 11. Hastings-two due. 12. Brighton-two ditto. 13. Poole-arrived 10h. 30m. 14. Norwich-1 due. 15. Holyhead & Dublin-1 due, i-yesterday's due 16. Worcester-one due. 17. Gloucester-one ditto. 18. Bristol-one ditto. 19. Bath-One ditto. 20. Ipswich-Arrived 11h. 45m. 91. Birmingham-One due. 22. Lincoln and Hull-1 ditto. 23. Stroud-1 ditto. 24. Devonport-1 ditto. 25. Lynn-two ditto. 26. Halifax-one ditto. 27. Waterford-one ditto. 28. Donaghadee-1 ditto. 29. Guernsey-1 ditto. 30. Jersey-1 ditto. HALF-PAST TWO O'CLOCK. A further part of the Kent Road Mail is arrived, viz., the Chatham and Rochester bags. The snow below these towns is stated to be of excessive depth. FOREIGN MAILS. Arrived. Due 0 1 • 0 1 . 0 2 . 0 1 • 0 3 Malta Hamburgh Flanders Holland French Meetings have been held at Malmesbury, De vizes, and other towns, to memorialize the Government against the intended introduction of a rural police. CHRISTENINGS AND BURIALS.—A general bill of the christenings andiburials within the city of London and bills of mortality, from December 15, 1835, to December 13, 1836 Chris. Buried. In the 97 parishes within the walls 859 854 In the 17 parishes without the walls 4,359 3,045 In the 24 out-parishes in Middlesex and Surrey 18,364 12,159 In the 10 parishes in the city and liber ties of Westminster Christened.—Malesl3,o24 Females, 13,231. Total, 26,255 Buried.—Males ... 9,202 Females, 9,027. Total, 18,22 g. —Decrease in the burials reported this year, 3,186. Among the carnal curiosities exhibited in Salisbury during the past week, was a shoulder of mutton of the very moderate weight of 411bs 70z., and a goose weighing 221bs.—Salisbury Herald of Saturday. THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.—During the pre sent festive season there is nothing throughout Europe that can compete in splendour or elegance with the details of such mansions as Burghley, Belvoir, Alnwick, Grunsthorpe, Eaton, Wentworth, Beaudesert, Raby, Holkham, Gorham bury, Panshanger, Cottesmore, Knowsley, Welbeck, Strath fieldsaye, Warwick Castle, and others. A foreigner, on arriving during the Christmas holidays at Hatfield, or the Deepdene Belvoir, or Burghley, finds himself at once sur rounded by all the comfort and refinement of the metropolis, united with the frank and cordial hospitality of the country. The mansion itself is filled to overflowing with a circle of well-assorted guests, and the union of these suffices to form an audience for the private theatre, the concert, or the ball room. Music may be heard in perfection, and character and tableaux are enacted with a degree of finesse scarcely to be expected out of France, among the younger branches of the assembled party, while an occasional ball mingles the belles of the town with the beauties of the country, to their mutual advantage. FATAL CRIM. CON.—There is a rumour in town, that a gentleman of the highest rank, on entering his bed room, found his wife in the embraces of another, and stabbed the adulterer to the heart. If the rumour be well founded, and we have some reason to think it is, the names of the individuals cannot long remain a secret.—Freeman'sJou 7nal. It is rumoured that the parties are a Noble Lord and an officer in the army. COURT CIRCULAR. Colonel Colebrooke, Lieutenant-Governor of the Bahama Islands, arrived in town yesterday, and transacted business at the Colonial-office. Viscount Melbourne is slightly indisposed at his resi dence in South-street. The Earl of Minto has been staying during the last few days on a visit to the Marquis of Lansdowne, at his seat, Bowood Park, Wiltshire. Viscount Howick is staying at the Hoo, Herta, the seat of Lord Dacre. Viscount Duncannon has gone to Wanstead. The Right Hon. C. Poulett Thomson is staying at the seat of Sir Charles W. Taylor, Hollycombe, Sussex. LLOYD'S SIIIPPING.-(THIS DAY.) PORTSMOUTH, DEC. 26.—Wind E.N. E., squally, a gale with snow.—Arrived the Swallow, Leader, John, Kidd, Newby, Cockerell, Derwent, Farrow, Mayor, Booth, and Sunderland Mayoress, —, from Seaham. SWANSEA, DEC. 24.—Arrived the Brothers, Phillip, DUNDEE, DEC. 24.—Arrived the Andromeda, Patrick, from Quebec. DUBLIN, DEC. 24.—Arrived the British Tar, Blenkern r , from Quebec ; and John Airey, Nicholson, from Messina. GALWAY, DEC. 24.—Arrived the Trafalgar, Christopher son, from St. John's, New Brunswick. LIMERICK, DEC. 24.—Arrived the Brilliant, Higg, Quebec. PETERHEAD, DEC. 23.—Arrived off port the Victoria, ----1 from Quebec, damaged. SotriiwoLD, DEC. 26.—Arrived off port the Lord Sid mouth ; and Mary Ann, —, from Quebec. The Herald (steamer), from Bristol, was on shore near Hoyle the 24th instant, and left dry—cargo discharging. The Ruckers, of London, was abandoned the 13th instant, having been struck by a sea, dismasted, and lost the master and ten of the crew; the remainder, saved by the Brilliant, ar rived at Limerick. THE FUNDS.-(THIS DAY.) CITY, TWELVE O'CLOCK. We extract the following from the Canton Papers re ceived this morning to the 29th June : " It is reported that on the 18th of the Moon (Ist July) a new Hong will be opened. The merchants name is Ho. The two Imperial Envoys will leave Canton for Pekin to-day." (From the Price Current.) COMMERCIAL REMARKS : COTTON—The demand for good qualities still prevail, and several parcels of Bombay staple have been sold during the week at thels, 12 5, and second qualities at 12 per pecul. The deliveries are steady. " Madras Cotton imported, 6661 bales ; Bengal, 142. " COTTON PIECE GOODS—There has been lately an im proved demand for these manufactures, but without any alteration in price ; with the exception of unbleached long cloth, and blue Monteith handkerchiefs, which go off briskly at a slight advance, the stock being small. " COTTON YARN—Little demand. " LONG ELLS—No improvement. " OPIUM—The intelligence of the result of the sale in Calcutta has induced holders to be more firm, and prices of Patna have a tendency to improve a little, but the sellers have been limited. No transactions in Benares have taken place. Several sales have been made of Malwa at 590 to 595 dollars, and 600 per chest. The rejection of the drug on account of its softness and inferiority still continues. Deliveries to the 22d inst. :—Patna, old, 17 ; new 376 ; Benares, old, 22 ; new 212: Malwa, old, 81 ; new 998. Total, 1,6331 chests. Imported, per Water Witch, 701 chests. " WOOLLENS—No improvement." (From the Canton Papers.) " The war with Cochin China languished, and no active hostilities were goinc , forward. The two chief generals of the Siamese, one of whom led an army to the frontiers of Cochin China by the northern side, and the other by Hankao, have both returned to the capital without gaining many laurels, but have gathered a harvest of booty. The share of one of them amounted to about 80 peculs of ivory, 25 cuttees of gold, and 35 peculs of cardamum. It had pleased his Siamese Majesty to get very angry with two of his first-rate Mandarins—one of them the most opulent, the other the Second Minister of Foreign Af fairs. They were both dragged out of the Royal presence, by the hair of the head, loaded with irons, and bound round the waist. Their crime is having this year allowed, though incompliance with his Majesty's orders, too great an export of rice to China." " The commercial advices from Siam are not quite so fa vourable as at the dates of the previous accounts. Several vessels and junks had arrived with large supplies of piece goods and cotton twists, of which extensive sales had been made, but at rather lower prices ; an improvement, how ever, was expected in the course of a month or two, after the departure of the Sarah." (From the Singapore Free Press.) " The last accounts from Europe of the Tea Market are dreadful. The losses on most of the Congous will be about 50 per cent. ; and you may easily imagine how this intelli gence affects some of the good folks here largely interested in speculation on their own account." THE FUNDS. We continue in the same predicament as yesterday, and at present we only hear of the arrival of one inland mail (Portsmouth). As yet we have no delivery of any letters from the Post-office, in consequence of which everything is at a stand still in the City, and impedes commercial tran sactions to a very great extent. In the speculations in the funds there is also a great stagnation, owing to the non-arrival of any of the foreign mails. Consols opened at the leaving off price of yesterday, 894 for the opening. Spanish, 19+ ; Portuguese, 44i ; Three per Cents., 281 29 ; Colombian, ; Dutch Two-and-a-Half per Cents., 544, HALF-PAST ONE. To the present time of writing, we only hear of the arrival of two inland mails, the Portsmouth and Pool ; 28 various mails, with those not arrived yesterday, are still due. Two expresses have been sent after the Dover mail ; great fear is entertained for the above mail, as having met with some accident. Several of the mails which proceeded last night on their journies were obliged to return, owing to the great depth of snow. Consols have reached during the morning 89+, same at present for the opening ; Reduced, 88i 881, scarce a bar gain doing ; Exchequer Bills, 20, 18 prem. ; India Bonds, II prem ; Bank Stock, 2081 2091 ; Spanish Active, 191 ; Passive, .5i 51 ; Deferred, 7 i t 78 ; Portuguese, 44 ; Three per Cents., 29. THREE O'CLOCK. Consols for the Account, 89 to 894. THE ANIMALS' FRIEND SocIETY.—The Hon. Secretary and agents of this valuable institution last week again brought to punishment the notorious keeper of a dog and badger-pit, James Cox. He was fined 20s. and 6d. costs by Mr. Bennett. his wife was also charged in the offence, but was excused. The most revolting cruelty was described by the witnesses. The lion. Secretary also caused the driver of James Burge to be fined by Mr Jeremy for cruelty to a horse. The moiety of the fine, 10s., which was awarded to the Secretary, was given by him to the poor box. Heberle, who was first introduced to an English audience by Mr. Monck Mason when he had the Opera, will appear, with Fanny Elsler, at the King's Theatre in the ensuing season. She had retired from the profes sion, having married one of the partners in a rich bank ing firm, but in consequence of her husband's unexpected failure, she returns to the stage, although she still retains her own private property of 250/. per annum. - - - - - The Manchester Guardian denies the truth of the statement put forth a few days ago by a contemporary, relative to the negotiation between the Bank of England and the Northern and Central Bank :—" We are insured that, instead of those negociations having resulted in any such arrangement as the one mentioned in the Morning Post, they have assumed, during the last two days an ap pearance much more favourable to the Northern and Cen tral Bank than they bore a .week ago." The Guardian adds—" We cannot leave this subject without e xpressing our strong disapprobation of the wanton and re ckless manner in which a certain portion of the London press has re cently assailed the credit of different banking establishments in this neighbourhood. At a time like the present, when alarm is very easily created, it is next to impos sible for any bank to withstand a systematic and persevering hostility like that which has been recently manifested to wards the Northern and Central Bank of England by o ne or two metropolitan newspapers c alling themselves Conser vative, but whose conduct a ppears to have been dictated by nothing better than a desire to produce a monetary panic, and thereby to throw the commerce and manufactures of the country into confusion, for the furtherance of some despicable party object. We are known strongly to dis approve of the system on which the N or thern and Cent ral Bank has been conducted ; but we would not on that account the less decidedly e x p ress ou r indignation a t the spirit in which it has been assailed." Sir'Roger and Lady Sophia Gresley have arrived at Beaudesert, to join the party now assembled there. Earl Fitzwilliatn and the Ladies Fitzwilliam have arrived at Wentworth-park from visiting his Lordship's es; tate s in Shropshire. L or d D un das and some branches 0' his family have been on a visit to the Noble Earl. The Duke of Devonshire gave an elegant arY dinner to us a select party a t D evons hi re -h o e on Christmas -day . E ery n Janua r y hi s G race w ill re turn to Chatsworth , to super " i ntend the improvements in progress there.